All aboard the Artscoach!

The audience in Derry’s Gasyard Centre erupted with laughter when driver Bill Waters, convincingly released the handbrake and reversed the imaginary bus in which he was taking his lucky passengers to Heaven.

It was just one of the many hilarious moments in the Bernadette McFarland skit which rounded off Artscoach - a showcase event which took guests on an exclusive journey to celebrate the work of its participants in Bishop Street, The Fountain and The Gasyard.

The brainchild of the city’s Millennium Forum, the aim of Artscoach was to promote good mental health and wellbeing through engagement with the Arts; it was funded by Arts & Business NI in partnership with Aircoach.

Artscoach participants, facilitators and audience members in the Gasyard.

The multi-generational, cross-community initiative saw participants take part in various classes and workshops around Derry.

It included fun and energetic dance/hip-hop classes for young people at Bishop Street Community Centre and incredible street art/painting and rejuvenation of an outdoor space at the Cathedral Youth Club in The Fountain.

The grand finale was the side-splitting drama and brilliant singing performed by older participants in the Gasyard.

Guests were ferried to each venue by coach to experience the final pieces and the hard work of all the participants.

Speaking to The Derry News, playwright Bernadette McFarland described the Gasyard element as “a laugh a minute”.

“These were people, I think the oldest was 90, who were up for a bit of fun. It was all about enjoyment, boosting people’s confidence, letting them know they could do something like this.

“It was lovely this afternoon seeing older people taking part and having the nerve to get up on the stage and perform - the acting and singing was sensational. Everyone is just buzzing now,” said Bernadette.

Musical guru, Ruth McPhillips, revealed she had been tasked with providing “uplifting and energetic music” to give the Gasyard performers the “feel-good factor and release their endorphins”.

“The endorphins are key to everyday life,” she added.

“The project was so enriching for me, never mind the participants. They came with no expectations and everything is a bonus. It gives you a lesson in life - life doesn’t need to be serious all the time. There is enough stress going on. Take the joy where you can get it. And they came and got in bucket loads, they really, really did,” laughed Ruth.

Mags Anderson, the education and schools marketing officer of the Millennium Forum described the whole artscoach event as “inspirational”.

Bishop Street Artscoach hip-hoppers.

“I can just see that the participants in the Gasyard have found a new passion for acting and singing,” she said.

All aboard the Artscoach! - @DerryNow digital report thread.

The audience in Derry’s Gasyard Centre erupted with laughter when driver Bill Waters, convincingly released the handbrake and reversed the imaginary bus in which he was taking his lucky passengers to Heaven.

It was… pic.twitter.com/okIFeZd7Nl

— Catherine McGinty (@CathMcGin_Tea) June 5, 2025

“The whole day was all go. It was three hours of fun. I really loved it.”

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Cara McCartney, the development and creative engagement manager of the Millennium Forum said it had been “fantastic to see different generations coming together in shared spaces, learning new skills and connecting through the arts”.

Brona Whittaker, head of arts at Arts and Business NI added: “We were proud to support this brilliant collaboration between our members, Millennium Forum and Aircoach.

“Through creativity, music, and movement, the Artscoach project brings joy, builds confidence, and provides tools to support mental wellbeing. A huge well done to everyone involved.”

Emily Dover, marketing executive of Aircoach said it had been “great to see how the arts can bring people together, support mental wellbeing, and create lasting connections across the generations”.